Riona is a creative artist, thinker, photographer and problem solver. She is the founder of Deaf Arts Space Australia which provides economic and career opportunities for deaf artists. In addition she is the current Senior Disability Advisor for Griffith University, where she supports students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Riona is a passionate ecologist, advocating for wildlife conservation. She has an extensive educational background, having completed a PHD in Natural History Illustration at the University of Newcastle.